Laser Rangefinder Phase-Shift Direct Counting Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser rangefinders suffer from slow measurement speed and low precision due to inefficient methods for distance calculation.

Innovation Solution

A laser rangefinder system utilizing a phase-locked loop module with frequency multiplication and phase shift to generate multiple clock signals, combined with an acceleration sensor for 3D data, and an iterative algorithm to integrate multiple measurements, enabling fast and precise distance and inclination angle calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional time expansion method or direct counting method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent channels (first channel with first counter, second channel with second counter, etc.) Each channel performs independent phase-shift direct counting measurements. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple measurements simultaneously, improving both precision through statistical integration and maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension by performing multiple measurements at different time points and integrating the results. Instead of relying on a single measurement, the system collects data across multiple channels and time instances, then integrates these measurements to achieve higher precision. This dimensional approach transforms a single-point measurement into a multi-dimensional data integration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If conventional single measurement method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurements through multiple channels that operate in parallel. Each channel performs measurements at regular intervals, and the system integrates these periodic measurements to produce the final result. This periodic multi-channel approach significantly accelerates measurement speed compared to sequential single measurements, while the modular channel structure keeps device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurements through multiple channels simultaneously before final integration. Each channel conducts its measurement independently and concurrently, preparing data in advance for the final integrated result. This preliminary parallel action across multiple channels dramatically reduces the total measurement time compared to sequential processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If phase-shift direct counting with multiple channels is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs each measurement channel to be universal and multi-functional. Each channel (with its counter, gate signal module, and clock signal input) can independently perform complete phase-shift direct counting measurements. This universality allows the system to achieve high precision through multiple channels while maintaining moderate complexity, as each channel is a self-contained modular unit that can be added or removed without affecting others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If integration of multiple samples is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic measurements across multiple channels to gather statistical samples for integration. By collecting data periodically from multiple independent channels simultaneously, the system achieves the benefit of statistical integration for improved precision without the time penalty of sequential measurements. The parallel periodic action of multiple channels compensates for the time required to collect multiple samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves fast and accurate distance measurements while providing comprehensive data, including inclination angles, through the use of phase-shift direct counting and integration of multiple samples, enhancing the precision and functionality of laser rangefinder technology.

Implementation Method 1

a phase-locked loop module, having frequency multiplication (frequency multiplication factor being 6) and a phase shift function module to synchronously generating multiple clock signals with a same frequency and phase difference of 45°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop frequency multiplication:

Implementation Method 2

The laser rangefinder emits a very fine laser beam to the object during operation and receives the laser beam reflected by the object through a photoelectric element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an acceleration sensor, connected to the microprocessor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS11353584B2Laser rangefinder and method for implementing the same
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 GUANGDONG ENVISION TECH LTD
  • US11353584B2 patent drawing
  • US11353584B2 patent drawing
  • US11353584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser rangefinder and a method for implementing the same are provided. When the distance is measured, a number of laser signals are emitted from an emitting unit to an object to be measured. A receiving unit receives the laser signals reflected by the measured object and converts them into an electrical pulse signal. A time measuring unit converts a trigger signal of a laser emitter and the electric pulse signal converted by the laser receiver into a rectangular gate signal. The width of the rectangular gate signal is measured by a pulse counter unit with high precision.